Flexi hoses while very effective, are one of the largest contributors to accidental water damage insurance claims in Australia.
If a burst hose is left undetected, it has the potential to expel enough water to fill a swimming pool in under 24 hours. Damage to homes as a result of burst flexi hoses can be extensive, and in apartment buildings, bursts have the potential to penetrate multiple homes, over several storeys.

Below are some helpful tips for property owners to observe that will help reduce the likelihood of major damage to your home, as well as reducing the need for insurance claims:

• Regularly check your usage levels on your water bill to measure unusual variations. Variations could indicate that you may have a slow leak somewhere in your home.
• Know the locations of your flexi hoses and regularly check them for signs of rust, corrosion, kinks, or frayed steel braids,
• If going on holiday, consider turning off your water supply at your meter, or at an isolation valve,
• If you experience a burst hose, immediately isolate your water supply at your meter or an isolation valve, and contact an emergency plumber,
• As a rule of thumb, make sure your flexi hoses are replaced every 5 years.

If your building is more than 10 years old and you haven’t already done so, it’s time to check and change your flexi hoses!